30 Aug 2012

Wall-climbing robot wins award

9:40 am on 30 August 2012

A remote controlled climbing robot which can inspect large pieces of stainless steel equipment has won the ANZ's Flying Start Business Plan Competition.

It's another award for the idea which started its life in the University of Canterbury's engineering department and was made a reality by Christchurch based company Invert Robotics.

Invert Robotics chief executive James Robertson says the prize recognises the company's potential to be a successful business.

The robot allows the inspection of stainless steel vessels used in the dairy industry, such as milk powder driers and large storage tanks.

Mr Robertson says these inspections are traditionally carried out by abseilers who may be put at risk working at height in a confined space where there are sometimes dangerous gases.